And now Huckabee is out
So that leaves just McCain for the GOP, so I guess I won’t be voting GOP come November (at least for president). And no way will I vote for Obama or Clinton. Which means I am left with a 3rd party candidate. Normally I would be considering Libertarian; however, their two leading canidates sem to be Kubby and Root. Neither of whom I will support.
UGH!
I am holding out hope someone I like will run 3rd party or make an independant run…
Geee - I leave for awhile
and come back to hunderds of SPAM comments. Someone really needs to invent something that gives SPAMMERs and electrical shock whenever they post….
A Meme
Wickle tagged me on a meme:
Pick up the nearest book of 123 pages or more. No cheating!
Find Page 123.
Find the first 5 sentences.
Post the next 3 sentences.
Tag 5 people.
Check his post for my response. It is a fun game, although I think the book I had closest may suprise Wickle. 
And yes, I did tag 5 people myself (on a forum actually), and their books were a little more interesting then mine….
Family Values
I really detest that phrase and have to grit my teeth whenever any candidate mentions it… it is not that i am against families, or don’t think they are important, but that I realize that by “family values” most mean the traditional family with mom, dad, and 2.5 kids…. I do not believe that is best, a “cure-all”, or a solution to all or many of our ‘ills’ as a society. I think family comes in all shapes, sizes, and membership…
I am a single mom by choice - it is just me and my child. Well, we should add grandparents (my parents) and friends… because my son is close to them all and they all have an active part in his life. My son doesn’t have a father in his life, but he doesn’t need one. He has no lack of father figures.
I support myself and my son, completely on my own (not on the dole for anything). He has plenty of male role-models and people that are there for him, if he needs them. He is a good student (could be better but he doesn’t always apply himself, especially if he is bored), a great kid (he may get in to minor trouble at school - usually for not “towing the line” and home, but no legal issues and even will try to help those getting into serious problems), a stellar athlete, on the student council, invited to be a “culture exchange” student with another school as part of a diversity project, and even was invited to talk to State Reps regarding school… Yes, I am proud of him.
And you know what? I know a lot of kids from single-parent homes that are similar. I also know some kids from the 2 parent homes (the ones pushed by family values) that have troubles. in fact, a friend of my son (and from a “family values” home, ie two parent) has been in some trouble, including legal - and my son and a couple other friends (all single parent, BTW) are trying to help him, and keep him ought of trouble…
So yes, I tend to get offended when people start talking “family values” and how the two parent home is best…and the desired result. Especially when they imply that there is something wrong with the families such as mine that are not two parent….
It is now even more important
that we pay attention to congressional races. Yes, the presidential race is important, but it is Congress that passes (or rescinds) laws. While some power resides with the president, much more lays with Congress. No matter who we elect as president, they can’t do much without the support of Congress.
We need small government, fiscal conservative members of Congress… and as a majority. It is imperative… and I think sometimes too much focus is on the presidential race. Please keep that in mind when deciding to vote, or who to support.
I really hate to suggest this
especially since I have always voted for who best matches what I believe, I think no vote (whoever it is for) is wasted, and I never vote against someone… but I have to mention doing just that.
If you are a Ron Paul supporter, live in a winner take all state, and the race is close between Huckabee and McCain… please consider voting for Huckabee. This will help us get to a brokered convention… plus Huckabee is simply a better choice then McCain (I think of him as Paul-lite and willing to work with and compromise instead of being a purist).
I could go into a lot of reasons why a Paul supporter might want to support Huckabee if the race is close… but it really boils down to this: the only way to get a brokered convention is to stop McCain from getting a majority of the delegates. In a tight, winner take all states… voting for Huckabee will accomplish that.
Kevin Tracy has a nice post on this also… and remember, Huckabee is, in many ways, Paul-lite - and he has at least shown respect to Paul, and his supporters (a coalition can be built)
Wow - CNN now realizes Huckabee
is still in the race. He has been suddenly been getting coverage on their “Ballet Bowl” (did they not earlier realize he was still running, ya know… when all they could cover was Romney and McCain). Still very little of coverage of Paul, well then today they were “searching the Internet” for info and implying he quit the race. Yes, I am getting very tired of the biased reporting…
For a station claiming the “best political team”, they are really under-delivering. Take their ballot bowl. Supposedly, it was to introduce the candidates and show people what the reporters see (and locals) during their rallies… yet other people may be missing. Funny thing though… until Romney suspended his campaign, the showed Romney and McCain. Now that Romney is out, they are actually showing more of Huckabee (hmmmm… guess they felt they had to once Romney dropped, hard to look unbiased when only highlighting one candidate), but suddenly more Dem coverage (can’t show too much Huckabee I guess). And yeah… very little to any of Ron Paul. They even had to resort to go to the Internet to find (and spin) info on Paul…
I think I need something better
to handle SPAM comments (and hey Spammers… my blog is not well read - not a good one to SPAM). After not visiting for two days (yes, bad, bad Tam - I should post more and am working on that), I had over 200 SPAM comments awaiting moderation, and at least 50 got by and were posted (and now deleted). That is fracking nuts!
It is bad enough my one e-mail server is giving me issues due to me being notified of comments… UGH!
I just realized
that I have been spedning a lot of time reading and posting on other blogs, yet neglecting my own. Oooops! I really must get better about up-dating this. I have lots of good posts floating around in my head, just have a hard time getting them onto the screen. I guess sometimes it is easier to respond to other people, then type some lengthly thoughs… or try to order mine…
Not a very good night for Ron Paul
but, so far it looks like he did get one second and a third…. doubt we will here about it much though…
Huckabee wins West Virginia
with a little help from the Ron Paul supporters. Congrats to Huckabee and his supporters…
While I do wish Ron Paul to win the nomination… I do think Huckabee is the next best choice (and only acceptable one).
I knew McCain was old
but not that old… He claims he has been involved in every national security issue that our nation has ever had… That makes him ancient. 
Okay - I am also getting sick of
the deitifying of Reagan. He talked the talk, but he didn’t walk the walk. Look at his record: he betrayed the fis-cons, small government, libertarian leaning people. People want to say they are like Reagan? I wanna run away…
I will have more thoughts on the debate later
but wanted to make a few quick points.
Ron Paul did great, in what little time he had to speak. So did Mike Huckabee… I am really getting tired of the media bias. if you have watched the news lately - you would like only Romney, McCain, and Giuliani were running…
Here is another reason why I like Huckabee and could support him. He shows Ron Paul respect. he may not agree with him on everything, but he at least respects him and his positions, instead of sneering. When the other candidates show such disdain for Ron Paul and his positions, when they seem to laugh at him, and act like he is crazy - well, then they are doing the same to his supporters. Do they really expect me to support them when they disdain what I believe?
Huckabee gets it right… he respects the differences and is even willing to look at our side.
Debate Wrap-up
Ron Paul had some really good moments… and some poor ones. Of course, he wasn’t allowed much time to speak (as usual). And before anyone says anything about it being because he “isn’t in contention”, Giuliani was given much more time, and Ron Paul has consistently been beating him (some please tell me why Rudy is considered a front-runner). Huckabee was also given less time then Rudy… of course, Romney and McCain got the most time.
While Ron Paul has not been treated very respectfully by some of the media, moderators, and candidates - he was very dignified.
I wondered what was up with his question to McCain asking about an advisory group. Seem a little odd to me. The I looked up the group. Now I realize the question was brilliant, although I am afraid it went over most people’s heads… it did min until I looked it up. The group seems to be fairly influential in setting economic policy… so the fact McCain looked as baffled as I felt (and rambled a bit without answering the question), shows he really isn’t as knowledgeable as he likes to say he is.
I loved Ron Paul’s last response regarding the GOP and how they have left their roots…
Huckabee did well, especially with the FairTax question. However, he was wrong when he said he was the only candiate saying the economy was experiencing problems in the Michigan debate (Ron Paul had also said that).
He got one thing right on the economic “stimulus” - borrowing to give everyone a rebate (for them in turn to spend) will not help as he said, and loved how he worked in the borrowing from China. Many have posted he got that from Ron Paul, and while Paul has made those type of statements - I actually think we are starting to see a little of Hunter’s influence on Huckabee. That line was actually classic Hunter. However, he is wrong on the increase in government spending, even on infrastructure, being a help, unless the money to be spent is taken from somewhere else. Borrowing to build highways will not help anymore then borrowing to return some of people’s money to them. The runaway spending has to stop (along with the artificially low interest rates). Now his FairTax plan would actually be a big help, yet he didn’t mention that.
I have finally figured out what bugs me about Romney when I look at him. He reminds me of a Cylon. Hmmm… maybe I shouldn’t have watched the Battle Star Galactica (the new series, not the old cheesy one) before the debate?
What I like about Huckabee
No, I am not a supporter of Mike Huckabee. I am a Ron Paul supporter. However, I am also a realist and realize that Ron Paul has very little chance of grabbing the nomination. I am not one of the Ron Paul supporters that will only vote Ron Paul (yes, you hear a lot from those fanatics).
If Ron Paul drops out, then I would support Mike Huckabee. If Huckabee gets the nomination, I will still vote GOP (something I can’t say about the other candidates). I know it seems strange to many that, being a Ron Paul supporter, I can also like Mike Huckabee and consider him. Maybe it is because, unlike some of Ron Paul’s supporters, my main reason for supporting him is not the war (I actually don’t agree with anyone the war). For me, the biggest concern is domestic issues, especially the economy.
There are actually some, if not exact similarities, places where Mike Huckabee and Ron Paul are very close when it comes to the domestic front. I actually think that the two of them would make a great coalition… and, while I do agree with Ron Paul’s ideas more, I think in many ways, Huckabee might be more effective… which I will explain later.
So, what do I like about Mike Huckabee.
First, the biggie: FairTax. Yes, I would love to have no tax at all, but that isn’t really feasible. I think the FairTax is a great start (and much better than the income tax). Yes, the rate seems high (although one really wouldn’t pay more of much more for items due to the removal of hidden, embedded taxes), but that is what is needed right now. Once we reduce spending, get the deficit under control… then it can be easily lowered. And as the economy turns around, it can be lowered more…
He has mentioned reducing spending. Hey, I can get behind that. Unfortunately, I haven’t heard him say much about reducing the size and scope of the Federal government, but at least reducing spending is a start.
He respects the Constitution. Another big plus. Instead of trying to legislate or use judicial activism, he wants to amend the Constitution. Now whether you agree with what he wants as an amendment or not, you have to respect that at least he is going about changes the correct way… by following the Constitution and what limits it puts on the Federal government.
He gets Federalism, at least to an extent. There have been a few things he has done as governor, or things he is “for” that he has admitted that would not be in his power to change as President, as they are matters for the States (or local) instead of federal level issues. He would instead encourage, not legislate. Hey, I can also get behind that.
He even mentions wanting to talk and trade more with other countries… and also mentioned stop borrowing from China.
He can compromise, and will work will with those he doesn’t agree with. He won’t compromise his core values, but he will do a give and take on the not so important things to get things done. That is actually Ron Paul’s weak point as he is not much into compromise.
He is honest to his core beliefs and values, and while he doesn’t “flip following the polls”, he is also not completely set into “his own way”. He will really listen to others, and take and consider their view. He is strong and confident enough to actually change his mind when presented with new or different information. He doesn’t always have to be hard-headed or right. He is willing to learn, and, yes, consider that he may be wrong, or not have had enough information. This doesn’t mean he is easily led though.. but it does mean that he isn’t so stuck on his way as the only way. He will accept that he doesn’t know it all, and is willing to give others a fair hearing, possibly changing his mind if it doesn’t conflict with his core beliefs. Hey, think we can get him in a room with Ron Paul economists?
He seems like a genuinely good man who is concerned about others, and wants to do right by this country. He has very strong beliefs and principals, yet is willing to listen and consider other view points. he is strong and self-assured enough to realize he may not always be right. Plus, he does have some good ideas.
The debate
So far been interesting… McCain asked Huckabee about FairTax. Huckabee did great (how can any really think income tax is better then FairTax???)
Ron Paul gave McCain some question about a market advisor group… not sure where he was going there. Sometimes I think Ron Paul can be his own worst enemy. That was not a good or meaningful question (at least to the average voter).
So far, no one is asking Paul a question…
Oh - I am watching the portion where the candidates ask each other questions…
Fred Thompson Drops out
I am actually sad to see him go… he was one of the few left I could stomach and actually consider. It seems like the “strong” small gov, federalist, fiscal conservatives just keep dropping out.
So where will the Fred supporters go? The logical choice would actually be to Ron Paul’s camp… he and Fred were very close on domestic issues. But, from what I have been reading, that isn’t happening. Many are talking about supporting Romney now and they even have called him conservative (which makes me wonder of they too were sleeping most of the time since Mitt is definitely not a poster boy for conservative). Some are also saying they will write in Fred or stay home… Most do not like McCain.
I think Huckabee may pick up a few supporters from Fred, Paul a few, Romney the most…McCain - very, very few if any.
The base is just two divided right now, and no candidate seems to be able to be a uniter…
It is looking more and more like
a brokered convention. Of course, I have thought all along that is what we would end up with… There doesn’t seem to be one candidate that appeals to every part of the base, and it is not looking like their will be any coalitions. I thought Hunter might be able to come out of a brokered convention with the nom, but it doesn’t look likely now since he has left the race… I think there is a strong possibility that whoever gets the nom may not even be anyone running.
As more and more primaries come near, we see more and more negativity - not only from the candidates but from their supporters. It is getting nasty. And if there isn’t animosity, then there are just differences… ones that I am not sure can be worked out. Plus, there seems to be baggage that comes along with every candidate (some due to policy, some just simple dislike). There is no uniter that I see.
I think that actually Huckabee may be the most likely to work with the others and compromise, but I just don’t see some of the others willing to with him. Plus, there are things that seriously bother many about Huckabee.
Ron Paul… where there is a lot of baggage there (especially his foreign policy views which are not favored with the GOP) and, even though I really like him, I will admit compromise is not his strong suit! But, don’t discount Ron Paul’s influence if the GOP goes brokered… with the way some caucuses work (non-binding delegates), he will have more delegates then he is currently credited with.
Romney… again, lots of baggage and dislike of him - Same with McCain. Plus, I don’t think either would be willing to compromise in a way that puts them as “second fiddle”.
Thompson… maybe if they wake him up. But will he even be a factor? Plus, again, issues with him.
Giuliani… lots of problems with him, and really, I think he is will soon flop worse then he has and be totally out of the running.
But even if any of the current candidates can pull together a coalition, I am not too sure how much support and energy they will get from all the base. It is seriously fractured and seemingly coming even more fractured. And I will say again, none seem to be a uniter.
The best bet (and honestly I think the best chance for the GOP to keep the whitehouse) is for someone to be “drafted” at the convention. There are at least two that I think would actually have a good chance in a general election and, have been extremely quiet through the nomination process so far. Hagel and Sanford. I am also sure there are others. Ones that have experience, a good record, some name recognition, and not a lot of negativity… ones that could maybe unit the fractured base.
Romney takes Nevada
and Ron Paul takes second! Beating McCain who is a neighboring senator.. Way to go Ron Paul! Unfortunately, I have not seem much mention of his second place finish on MSM as I have been watching the coverage. Not even coverage of his speech… hmm, usually they televise a portion at least of the second place finishers speech. Of course, they often actually talk about them too. Also, little mention of how more independent voters voted for Ron Paul (instead of McCain).
Another interesting thing is the Mormon vote for Romney… not much talk about that either. Approximately 25% of the Nevada voters were Mormons, and 94% voted for Romney. Now when around 63% (0r thereabouts, I forget the actual number) of evangelist/born-again Christians voted for Huckabee in Iowa about it and how he won by “appealing to them and getting that voting bloc out”.
I really am getting very tired of the double standards….
keep looking »